Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), previously known as behavior modification, is a therapeutic approach to change behavior which begins by identifying the relationship between one’s behavior and their environment to better understand why they are behaving in a particular way. This is followed by applying a set of behavioral principles and techniques to increase desired behaviors and decrease undesired behaviors.

Applied Verbal Behavior (AVB)

Applied Verbal Behavior (AVB) therapy is a subspecialty of ABA which involves a behavior analysis of the functionality of language. This therapy focuses specifically on how language develops and the conditions in which certain verbal behaviors occur. AVB works to teach different forms and meanings of words so that an individual can have functional language.

Understanding the way in which one word can have different forms and meanings can be complicated so Applied Verbal Behavior breaks the word functions down into specific categories called verbal operants.

To illustrate this concept we can look at the word “candy”.

Tacting: If you see a piece of candy and say “candy” you have labeled the object. In AVB we call this tacting.

Manding: If you see someone eating candy and you want candy as well you might say “I want candy”. In this context the word “candy” is a request. In AVB we call this a mand.

Identification by Feature/Function/Class: If several objects were in front of you and someone asked you, “Which one of these is something you eat?” and you reply “candy” you are identifying the item by function.

Intraverbal: If you were asked, “What did you have for snack today?” your response “candy” would be an intraverbal answer because candy was not present.

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